The third release from The Bellyachers finds the Bay Area band shifting from the roots-based brand of twang-pop and honky-tonk found on their previous releases to a sound that is decidedly more retro and jangle pop influenced. The opening track, "Fools Game", leaves no doubt as to the new direction when it kicks in with a strong "Cold As Ice" staccato piano and power-pop guitar licks. And while some new female artists find themselves likened to Aimee Mann for her recent material, lead vocalist and bassist Sandra Mello begs comparison to `Til Tuesday era Mann. Provided the band had been influenced by new-wave era pop like The Shoes or The Records. 200 Lucky Feet Move The Dragon is curiously diverse yet still cohesive. The acoustic folk-pop of "Walking Time" and the new-wave-y "It`s My Turn" - each featuring Sarah Steen on cello and Cindi Kazarian Zimple on violin - add to the diversity of style on this strong effort. But it`s the pedal-steel swept album closer, "Swan Dive", that is the closest they come to their alt. country beginnings. -- Robinson, Miles Of Music (self-released)
